As always, the safety of our youth, staff, and community is our first priority. After careful consideration, we have implemented the following measures to promote the health and wellbeing of attendees and staff:

• We will continue to offer remote participation opportunities for participants throughout our fall Sleep Out season. 

• In Atlanta, we will offer the opportunity to Sleep Out overnight at a location provided by Covenant House. 

• To attend the in-person program and overnight portions of the Sleep Out, participants and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination.

• The in-person portion of the Sleep Out will be held outdoors, with access to clean, indoor bathrooms. Sleepers will be asked to take a temperature, wear masks, and distance themselves from each other; handwashing stations will also be accessible. 

• While outdoors, Sleepers will be asked to respect social distancing guidelines and/or wear a mask when interacting with other Sleepers or staff. Sleep spaces will be marked in advance to ensure Sleepers have a safe distance from each other. 

• The number of participants permitted to attend the in-person portion of the Sleep Out will vary based on the event venue. 

• In-person programming will be limited, as our front-line staff remain focused on preserving the health and safety of our youth and each other. 

• The voices of our youth remain integral to the spirit of Sleep Out, and their experiences will be shared virtually (live, via recorded video, or written) and in person. 

• At this time, food will be served outside at the in-person portion of the Sleep Out. Sleepers are welcome to remove their masks when eating and drinking but will be expected to put masks back on when finished. 

• We respectfully ask that Sleepers who are experiencing cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms or have recently interacted with someone who has tested positive for COVID participate virtually. 

These policies were determined in accordance with Georgia State and Atlanta City regulations as well as federal and CDC guidelines. Covenant House Georgia leadership also considered feedback from essential staff at the front-lines of the pandemic and our Sleeper community. 
 

If Sleepers are not able or willing to adhere to the policies outlined above for in-person participation, we are excited to offer virtual participation options to ensure a meaningful Sleep Out experience from home or a location of your choosing. 
 

As the situation evolves, so will our approach to keeping our community safe. We thank you for your patience and flexibility as we manage this, and your commitment to the fundamental purpose of Sleep Out: to provide every young person with a safe place to sleep.